A former St Aidan's teacher is set to take on a unique role in the life of one of her past pupils - not as an educator, but as the celebrant for their wedding.
Caroline Rosser has changed careers with the aim of crafting “personal and meaningful” ceremonies as a qualified celebrant.
And she’ll be leading the ceremony of her former pupil, Claire Blenkinsop, when she gets married next year.
Mrs Rosser, who left the teaching profession 18 months ago after 21 years, was Claire’s A level Media Studies teacher at St Aidan’s High School from 2008 to 2010.
They have maintained a friendship ever since.
Claire, who now works for the NHS, said:
“When my fiancée and I got engaged last year, there was one thing we knew we wanted: a celebrant-led wedding.
“We can have a truly personal ceremony that has been created for us; it will be unique and will reflect us as a couple.”
On maintaining friendship with her former teacher, Claire added:
“Caroline was one of those teachers you never forget and luckily for me we kept in touch.
“When Caroline told me she was launching her celebrancy business ‘Lottilly’, it was a no-brainer!
“She’s got this incredible character and personality that really does just make you smile! Who wouldn’t want her to lead the way on your big day?”
Caroline said:
“The role of a teacher is a privileged one. Outside of the academics, teachers have the opportunity to really connect with young people, and inevitably, some of those connections grow and change with time after students leave.
“It’s a real privilege to be asked to conduct Claire’s wedding; it does make me feel old though!”
Unlike ceremonies conducted by registrars, which are restricted to licensed venues, celebrant-led weddings can take place almost anywhere.
This flexibility is a significant draw for couples looking for more freedom to choose locations that hold personal significance.
Caroline added:
“The world of celebrancy is so exciting. In recent years, an increasing number of couples in the UK have been turning to celebrants to officiate their weddings, over more traditional options such as religious leaders or registrars.
“Unlike registrars, who have to adhere to legal and often more rigid formats, or religious officiants who follow established doctrines, celebrants have no prescribed scripts or boundaries.
“This flexibility allows them to craft ceremonies that reflect a couple's unique journey, beliefs, and personalities.
Caroline is now taking booking for weddings, vow renewals, civil partnerships and naming ceremonies for 2025 onwards.
Please visit the Lottilly website: www.lottilly.co.uk.
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